photo credit: Meanest Indian

Be aware that your tribal tattoo patterns are often steeped with meaning and symbolism, and are much more than pretty patterns to the people.

The Rabari tribes are living the same life they have been living a millenium as semi-nomadic cattle herders. “Meanest Indian” has compiled a wonderful collection of photos featuring traditional tattoos, photographed in the Rabari tribal village of Gada, east of Bhuj.
One custom that has persisted is the art of tattooing and the women tattoo magical symbols onto their necks, breasts and arms. It is an ancient practice, usually performed to represent the tribal communities of Rajasthan.

The local tattooers punctured the desired pattern into the skin by means of sewing needle, which can be very much painful. Visible design pattern is rubbed by the lamp black and is pressed by a thumb. The sap of a various herbs are applied over the designed marks as an antiseptic.

As with most of the tribals in the area the women also produce vibrantly embroidered clothes, mainly for their own use. there is a marked similarity in the motifs used in their embroideries and tattoos.

Read more about traditional Tribal Tattoos of Rajasthan.